由 caicai8478 As an efficient land transport channel connecting China and Europe, the China-Europe Express is more economical than air freight and faster than sea freight, making it a key option for many companies to optimize international logistics costs. The following are practical strategies for reducing transportation costs using the China-Europe Expre
- Choose the right transport route and schedule
The China-Europe Express has multiple routes, and freight rates, timeliness, and customs clearance efficiency vary significantly. Choosing the right route can significantly reduce costs:
Main routes:
Western Route (via Kazakhstan): Lower freight rates, suitable for time-sensitive shipments.
Central Route (via Russia/Belarus): Balances cost and timeliness, currently the most commonly used.
Eastern Route (via Manzhouli/Suifenhe): Suitable for Northeast Asian shipments, but with fewer services.
Choose a scheduled train: Some trains (such as the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe and Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe) offer stable schedules and greater room for negotiation.
- Optimize cargo loading methods
China-Europe Express trains are priced per container. Increasing the loading rate can help spread unit costs:
Less-than-Container Load (LCL): Small shipments can be consolidated with other shippers to reduce per-container costs.
Full Container Load (FCL): When sufficient cargo volume is available, FCL shipments should be used to avoid LCL surcharges.
Rational packing: Optimize cargo stacking methods to improve container utilization (e.g., using standardized pallets).
- Leverage government subsidies and preferential policies
China and some European countries continue to provide subsidies for China-Europe Express trains. Companies can apply for:
Local government subsidies: For example, cities like Chongqing, Chengdu, and Xi’an offer freight subsidies to local companies.
Support for cross-border e-commerce: Some cities offer special subsidies for cross-border e-commerce goods.
Tariff concessions: Goods transported via China-Europe Express trains can enjoy tariff preferences under China-EU Free Trade Agreements (e.g., China-EU).
- Combine multimodal transport to reduce costs
The China-Europe Express can be integrated with maritime and road transport to further optimize logistics costs:
Sea-rail transport: Transport from European ports (such as Hamburg and Rotterdam) to inland areas by rail, which is faster and cheaper than pure maritime transport.
Road-rail transport: Domestic shipments are transported by truck to the train’s departure point (such as Zhengzhou and Chengdu), reducing haulage costs.
- Plan ahead to avoid high prices during peak seasons
China-Europe Express freight rates are affected by market supply and demand, and prices may increase during peak seasons (such as the Q4 Christmas stocking season).
Off-peak transport: Ship 1-2 months in advance to avoid peak periods.
Long-term agreements: Sign long-term transport agreements with logistics companies to lock in preferential rates.
- Improve customs clearance efficiency and reduce additional costs
The China-Europe Express involves customs clearance in multiple countries, and delays in customs clearance may result in additional costs such as storage fees.
Prepare documents in advance: Ensure that customs declaration documents (such as packing lists and certificates of origin) are complete and accurate.
Choose the “Customs Express” model: Some trains support “single declaration, single inspection, and full release,” reducing customs clearance time.
Utilize AEO certification: Companies with AEO certification can enjoy expedited customs clearance.
- Choose a reliable logistics provider. Quotes and services vary significantly between freight forwarders. Recommendations:
Compare prices with 3-5 freight forwarders: Prioritize those with experience running dedicated China-Europe trains.
Look for value-added services: Some freight forwarders offer warehousing, customs clearance, insurance, and packaging services, which may offer better value.
Summary: Key Cost Reduction Points for the China-Europe Express
Strategies, Specific Methods, and Expected Cost Reduction Results
Choose the Right Route: Choose the western or central route to avoid high-priced trains, reducing freight costs by 10%-20%
Optimize Loading: Mix LCL/FCL to increase fill rates, reducing unit costs by 5%-15%
Leverage Subsidies: Apply for subsidies from local governments or cross-border e-commerce platforms, reducing freight costs by 10%-30%
Intermodal Transport: Combine ocean and road transport to reduce long-distance shipping costs
Off-peak transport: Avoid the Q4 peak season to avoid temporary price increases of 20%-30%
Improve customs clearance efficiency: Prepare documents in advance and utilize Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification to reduce demurrage and storage fees
Through proper planning, the China-Europe Express can help businesses save 30%-50% on international logistics costs. It is also one to two weeks faster than ocean freight, offering the best balance between time efficiency and cost.